Now that I've got myself a new lid, I'd better get myself a bike to go with it. I'm considering a blade (because they're quick enough, comfy enough and most importantly cheap enough). Haven't had a bike for 3 years so don't have any no-claims, but can get insured because I'm now an old batsturd (30).

I was always under the impression that the 1997 RRV's were about the best of the earlier blades, just wondering what you lot reckon?

Cheers in advance.

J

I was under the impression that the original blade was the best (1992) as it was the most uncompromising a brutal power delivery.

Now that I've got myself a new lid, I'd better get myself a bike to go with it. I'm considering a blade (because they're quick enough, comfy enough and most importantly cheap enough). Haven't had a bike for 3 years so don't have any no-claims, but can get insured because I'm now an old batsturd (30).

I was always under the impression that the 1997 RRV's were about the best of the earlier blades, just wondering what you lot reckon?

Cheers in advance.

J
Got an 8800 mile W reg RRX up for grabs for £3745 if ur interested. Only ridden this one though so dont know how it compares to the V.

Cheers

Andy

Just got a 96 one- RRT.
Lovely bike although the standard can NEEDS to go:)
Also standard suspension setup is pants.
Surprised me how quick steering they are.
I bought mine because it was cheap, reliable and should be worth the sameish next year.
Go on you know you want one:D

I've got the original (and best), thogh mine's an early 1993 rather than 1992. Hardly gets ridden any more, and my wife's always at me to sell it. It's probaby worth sod all now, so I'll hang on to it for a bit longer.

Now that I've got myself a new lid, I'd better get myself a bike to go with it. I'm considering a blade (because they're quick enough, comfy enough and most importantly cheap enough). Haven't had a bike for 3 years so don't have any no-claims, but can get insured because I'm now an old batsturd (30).

I was always under the impression that the 1997 RRV's were about the best of the earlier blades, just wondering what you lot reckon?

Cheers in advance.

J
That seems to be the consensus in the press. I've been riding the RRT model since 96, 40,000+, still love it. A mate I go riding with has the RRV, and there is nothing much in it. Only parts so far are two head bearings, a rear wheel bearing, and a battery.

Although a lot of people go on about the power delivery of the earlier models, they are typically down on power compared with the RRT/RRV models ... but they were notoriously variable in power in any case (something to do with squish clearance?). Mine is a measured 120 bhp at the back wheel, which is fairly typical.

Whether commuting, touring or hooning, it is a brilliant all-rounder, without compromising much. I've ridden out with the same bunch for 7 years, and as they've moved on to later model bikes, I haven't felt a burning need to replace it - it may not pull away as fast as a Hayabusa, but it easily holds more corner speed than a lot of riders are comfortable with, no matter what power they have between their legs.

Buy a good one and you'll be a happy bunny ....

Ive had 92...93...96...98 blades they were all brilliant bikes in there own way,The best time had was on the rrt pushed more power than the others but a can and dynojets a must,
If you can leave "darkies" on a 96 rrt then its gotta be doin summut rite,
Oh besides the 98 blade it pulls easy weelies from 2nd and 3rd,
Hope you find a good un and enjoy :)


That seems to be the consensus in the press. I've been riding the RRT model since 96, 40,000+, still love it. A mate I go riding with has the RRV, and there is nothing much in it. Only parts so far are two head bearings, a rear wheel bearing, and a battery.

Although a lot of people go on about the power delivery of the earlier models, they are typically down on power compared with the RRT/RRV models ... but they were notoriously variable in power in any case (something to do with squish clearance?). Mine is a measured 120 bhp at the back wheel, which is fairly typical.

Whether commuting, touring or hooning, it is a brilliant all-rounder, without compromising much. I've ridden out with the same bunch for 7 years, and as they've moved on to later model bikes, I haven't felt a burning need to replace it - it may not pull away as fast as a Hayabusa, but it easily holds more corner speed than a lot of riders are comfortable with, no matter what power they have between their legs.

Buy a good one and you'll be a happy bunny ....

More a choice of which one not to buy...my least favourite in the first FI,upside down fork model, 2000RRY.....

Less tweakable,no more power, more flighty , and horrendous on fuel, only thing that I like about them is the meaty swingarm

Cant remember which mag its in (Bike I think) but they did a piece on the every model of the blade from early ninties to the very latest, was very interesting reading. They rode each model too which made even better reading!!! Check out your nearest newsagents and you should find it.

Every report I've ever read has said the 96 RT is teh best all rounder. That's what I've had for the past 7 years. It's been a 100% pleasure. I've done about 25,000 miles on it and apart from tyres, chains, have replaced the wheel brgs, changes the head brgs for taper ones and that's about all. It gets spanked everywhere most days as I commute it due to parking and traffic issues. It always retuns 50 mpg unlike the RY!! I'd upgrade to an RRX if I had a spare Grand or so. The current one looks fab but feels too small for me.

You wont regret a Blade! :D

What model name was the fox eye one that came in black with silver graphics??? Been out of biking for a couple of years but have taken a fancy for one of those.

Cheers for the advice again fellas, going to keep looking around for a nice 96-98 plate I think. Next question is, what are the best mods to do (assuming that dynajet and can are already done)? Is it worth fitting a 17" front wheel for instance?

J

Get an R6, then you will know what quick steering and corner speed really is. Also cheaper to insure! Ive had indicated 170 mph on speedo which probably equates to about 155mph, and it is standard! Keeps up with most road riders apart from the Psychotic :)

Considered an R6, but the insurance is loopy compared to an older blade. I've ridden an SP2 a bit, that's about the fastest cornering thing I've ever tried, just too uncomfy to live with.

I'd really like a Gixxer 750 or an R1 but I'm going to need to build up some no-claims (and move) before I can insure one of those.

J